Education Law

There are many reasons why an individual might find themselves in need of legal representation or legal advice from a specialist in Education Law.

Admissions

Deciding what school your child should go to is one of the most difficult decisions a parent will face

We can help you challenge this decision to try and ensure that your child gains admission to school, college or nursery

We can advise you about policies and procedures and represent you at an appeal hearing

Children with Special Needs (SEN)

Sadly there are many children with Special Educational Needs who do not have access to appropriate support at school or at the hands of a local authority. We can help you challenge this

We can also help you challenge the contents of your child’s statement of special education needs or Education and Health Care Plan (EHCP)

If you do not achieve your objectives through negotiation or mediation there is a Special Educational Needs and Disability Tribunal (SEND). Although the process has been designed for parents to represent themselves at the Tribunal this can be a daunting experience and we can help to ensure that you are properly prepared and represent you at the hearing

Exclusions

If a child is excluded from school parents are entitled to challenge the exclusion decision by first complaining to the school. If no progress is made and you still agree with the decision there may be grounds to appeal further. There are strict time limits to appeal – please contact Sarah Kerr on 0191 213 1010 and she will happily advise you on these
limits

If you child is excluded from school the Local Education Authority (LEA) has certain responsibilities to your child and we can advise you on this

We can help you to arrange an alternative placement following an exclusion from school

More than two third of permanently excluded children have Special Educational Needs. Government guidance emphasises the importance of schools considering alternatives to exclusion wherever possible and we can help you to ensure that they do

Bullying in Schools

Schools have a duty to prevent all forms of bullying

If you believe your child is being bullied at school you are entitled to lodge a formal complaint and we can help you with this

Assistance for Professionals

We can help you if you are a teacher or work for a school and are responding to a regulatory investigation